Canada has a long history of service to international human rights, diplomacy and democracy. Technology equips every soldier, tank, battleship and fighter jet. The need to be at the forefront of weaponry and innovation is a fact.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Finance Minister Jim Flaherty, Minister of National Defense Peter MacKay and Veterans Affairs Minister Steven Blaney continue forth on the procurement of $9 billion F-35 contract, while Veterans have had their funeral and burial benefits frozen since 2001. The current thinking is Canada can afford $9 billion for upgrades to its airforce but in doing so can justify slashing the operational budget of Last Post Fund by some 29% (or $1 million in 2013-2014). This is why the Last Post Fund, which delivers the Veterans Affairs Funeral and Burial Program, had to launch a national fundraising campaign to the tune of $9 million in order to fully fill its mandate towards modern-day veterans not eligible for the Canadian government’s Program (those who served after WWII and Korean War). Other projects for which donation monies are required include the perpetual care of the National Field of Honour where more than 20,000 persons are interred, and the provision of permanent military-style markers for eligible veterans who lie in unmarked graves (between 20,000 and 30,000 across Canada).

Therefore $9 billion is 1,000 times the $9 million it would take to allow the Last Post Fund to meet all veterans’ needs, be they traditional or modern-day veterans.

We ask fellow Canadians to honour Veterans’ Week November 5 to 11, culminating in Remembrance Day services at your local cenotaph. Show your support for Veterans by letting your MP know your vote means remembering Veterans – especially in death.